Understanding your child • Finding a way forward
ADHD support for parents
Understand what your child may be experiencing, explore assessment options and find practical support for home and school.
Whether you are noticing differences for the first time, waiting for an assessment or making sense of a diagnosis, start with the question that matters to your family today.
One step at a time
What would help you most right now?
You do not need to read everything at once. Choose the starting point that fits your situation.
“Could this be ADHD?”
Explore patterns in attention, activity and impulsivity, and what to do if you are concerned.
Recognising signs of ADHD →“We need an assessment.”
Understand the process and the information professionals may ask you to share.
Explore assessment guides →“School is becoming difficult.”
Prepare for a conversation about learning, participation and your child’s support needs.
Find school support guides →“Everyday routines are hard.”
Explore ways to make expectations clearer and reduce pressure at home.
Explore practical strategies →Understanding comes first
ADHD can look different in every child
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, activity levels and impulse control. Organisation and planning can also be difficult.
Some children are noticeably active or impulsive; others mainly struggle with attention. A child’s needs, interests and experiences matter alongside any diagnostic label.
Patterns you might notice
- Finding it difficult to sustain attention or follow instructions.
- Frequently losing things or forgetting everyday tasks.
- Acting quickly or finding waiting difficult.
- Restlessness or a strong need to move.
- Needing extra help to organise and complete activities.
These experiences do not establish a diagnosis. Consider their impact and discuss concerns with your child’s teacher or GP.
Read the signs of ADHD guide →Making sense of the process
ADHD assessments: know what to expect
An assessment explores your child’s development, experiences and needs. These guides explain the process and questions worth asking.
ADHD assessment for children
Start with an overview of assessments and how to prepare.
Read the assessment guide →What happens during an assessment?
Explore the stages and how information about your child is gathered.
Understand the appointment →Private vs NHS assessment
Compare pathways and identify questions to ask before making a decision.
Explore assessment options →Working together
Support at school starts with understanding needs
Talk to your child’s teacher or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) about what is difficult and the changes that might help.
ADHD diagnosis and school support
Understand how information about ADHD can help shape support.
Explore diagnosis and support →Supporting children in school
Explore classroom strategies and ways to support learning and participation.
Explore classroom support →Talking to schools about ADHD
Prepare clear examples, useful questions and the next steps you want to discuss.
Prepare for the conversation →Leave the meeting with a practical plan
Ask what support will be tried, who will provide it and when you will review how it is working. Include your child’s views and agree how home and school will share useful information.
Explore our SEN support guidance →When more support may be needed
ADHD and EHCP support
Some children need more detailed assessment and provision. In England, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) sets out a child’s special educational needs and the provision required to meet them.
An ADHD diagnosis does not automatically lead to an EHCP. The focus is on your child’s needs and the support required. Education systems and terminology differ across the UK.
EHCP for ADHD
Explore when additional support may be needed and how an EHCP can help.
Read the ADHD and EHCP guide →How to apply for an EHCP
Understand the assessment request process and how to explain your child’s needs.
Explore the application guide →Everyday support
Make routines more manageable
Start small and notice what helps your child. Strategies can be adapted as their needs change.
Make the next step clear
Use simple instructions and a visible reminder of what comes next.
Break tasks into parts
Offer smaller steps and breaks rather than expecting a long task all at once.
Notice effort and progress
Use encouragement and calm, consistent guidance as your child practises skills.
Common questions
A clearer starting point
Where should I start if I am worried about ADHD?
Start with our signs of ADHD guide, make a note of examples and speak to your child’s teacher or GP. Describe the impact on everyday life as well as what is going well.
Can my child get help while waiting for an assessment?
Yes. Discuss current needs with school and agree practical support and a review date. You can also ask the GP or SENCO about local support available to families.
Does every child with ADHD need an EHCP?
No. Support needs vary. Start by understanding what your child needs, what school is providing and whether it is helping. Our ADHD and EHCP guide explains the next questions to explore in England.
Does School of Diversity provide an ADHD diagnosis?
This page brings together information and support resources for parents. A clinical ADHD assessment is carried out by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals. Contact us to discuss the educational support you are looking for.
Further information: NHS ADHD guidance for children and young people and GOV.UK SEN support guidance. This hub provides general information; individual clinical advice should come from your child’s healthcare team.
School of Diversity
Not sure which step comes next?
Tell us what is happening for your child and the support you are looking for. We can discuss your enquiry and explain any relevant service options.